A service is available to check for liens and unresolved financial obligations on an Arizona titled vehicle.

Liens fall into two general categories: financial liens and other liens.

Financial Liens

Financial liens either appear on the front of the paper title or are held electronically and are generally for a defined period of time.

Liens on Paper Certificates of Title

If a lien is on a paper title, it will appear in the space marked "Lienholders." When the lien is paid/satisfied, the vehicle owner receives a "lien release" from the lender. The owner may take the lien release to an MVD or Authorized Third Party office to obtain a new title or give the buyer the signed and notarized title with a lien release from the lender.

Electronic Lien and Title

An electronic lien and title (ELT) is an electronic method by which MVD and authorized lienholders exchange essential vehicle, lien and title information. Lienholders are required to perfect or release liens electronically using the current ELT process through an approved ELT service provider. This process eliminates the need for printing and mailing individual paper titles. Once the lien has been satisfied, a lienholder sends an electronic message releasing the lien. MVD then forwards the title to the vehicle owner or to the next lienholder of record. This method results in faster service to vehicle owners.

Other Liens

Other liens can be added electronically and are not shown on the title. They are not for a defined period of time and can be added or deleted at any time. For example, if a vehicle owner owes child support fees (Child Support lien) or court fines/fees (Operation of Law lien), a lien can be placed on the vehicle record that prevents the title from being transferred to a new owner until those fines/fees are paid. These liens must be paid before you can transfer the title into your name.

Protecting Yourself from Purchasing a Vehicle with a Lien

Check for liens and unresolved financial obligations on an Arizona titled vehicle online.